The importance of Stainless Steel Finish

Surgical instruments require special care and protection after being used because they are too precious to be mishandled. Stainless steel surgical baskets and trays are greatly used in washing, handling, sterilizing, and storing surgical instruments or small micro dissections, etc.

Stainless steel is considered one of the finest materials used for manufacturing surgical instruments due to its unique features and versatility. However, the surface of stainless steel demands finishing for maintaining its life span and is done using various procedures based on one’s requirements.

Choosing the right surface finish for stainless steel equipment is a critical task. You will preferably look for the one that will require low maintenance, corrosion resistance, and a longer lifespan. selecting the right surface finish will enhance your tool’s performance and will allow the stainless steel products to give the desired outcome as expected. The correct surface finish will boost the handling characteristics, chemical resistance, and other essential features of the instrument. Let’s discuss two of the most commonly used stainless steel finishes:

Electropolishing

Electropolishing is a process generally referred to as reverse plating that removes the outer layer of a metal part using an electrochemical solution. The method involves an electric current and a temperature-controlled electrolyte bath that dissolves the surface layer of a substance. After the stainless steel is polished by this method, the surface becomes featureless and smooth.

Electropolishing allows the removal of microscopic debris, embedded containments, micro-cracks, burrs, heat tints, and other imperfections that might affect the longevity and performance of the product.

This method provides a non-stick, smooth finish in addition to improving the weldability without causing peeling or compromising the hardness of the surface.

The equipment becomes generally safer to use manually after its being electropolished as it removes any sharp burrs and edges caused by metal forming processes or welds etc. This method also provides corrosion resistance to the products and is advisable in most applications because it reduces open-cut infections and other minor injuries.

Passivation

Passivation is a chemical cleaning method that provides corrosion resistance to the stainless steel by removing ferrous containments and free iron from the stainless steel surfaces. This chemical cleaning method uses nitric and citric acid and creates a thick layer around the stainless steel oxide coating that makes it an excellent corrosion-resistant substance.

Passivation is ideal to increase the longevity of your products and protect your investment by eliminating extra maintenance steps. All kinds of oil, dirt, and grease are cleaned with the help of this process which results in a smooth and uniform appearance of the product.

There are relatively lesser chances of rust damage to your stainless steel products, surgical instruments, and stainless steel basket with the smooth passivation finish.

We at Acheron instruments have a wide range of stainless steel surgical baskets and trays.

However, you should be considerate about the proper finish and their benefits when choosing these baskets. Both Electropolishing and Passivation increase the longevity of your product as well as makes your sterilization basket safer and easier to use.